What better way to kick-off 2015 but with a brisk run or walk?
This New Year’s Eve tradition is not only a healthy alternative but also a family-fun event at Fleet Feet located at 277 Lincoln Center in Stockton.
“About 200 attend each year,” said Tony Vice of Fleet of this low-key, non-competitive event.
The stroke of midnight is the start of the run or walk, which is a 1-mile course loop – twice around makes it two miles – through the shopping center at Benjamin Holt Drive and Pacific Avenue and on to the surrounding neighborhood.
After and before the event, folks gather in front of Fleet Feet, enjoying hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and other treats.
Registration is $20 before the event but goes up to $25. Included is a custom long-sleeve commemorative t-shirt along with a chance to win gift cards and merchandise altogether valued at $2,000.
During the past decade, some folks have come dressed in pajamas along with their New Years apparel. Many will bring out the children.
In keeping with those New Year’s resolutions, Fleet Feet also offers half-marathon and 5K training programs for runners of all abilities and levels.
For more information, log on to www.fleetfeetstockton.com.
Other ways to ring in the New Year in Stockton includes:
Funk Fest
The Bob Hope Theatre at 242 E. Main St. will host the New Year’s Eve Funk Fest, consisting of Lakeslide, Slave and Maxine Jones of En Vogue.
Rashaad “The New Prince of Soul” is scheduled to give a special guest performance. He’ll be joined by the likes of Abrique Brown, Rayan Oliver and Deejay Supe!
Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost is $29.50, $47.50 and $57.50, with tickets available online or at all Ticketmaster locations, the Stockton Arena box office, Wal-Mart, and all cell pro wireless stores.
Information: Ph. 916.968.8155 or 213.884.0512.
Carnaval
A night where Mardi gras meets masquerade is scheduled from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, 110 W. Fremont St.
This exciting evening filled with mystique, colorful décor and savior faire encourages those making plans to attend to wear fashionable evening attire (cocktail dresses, collar shirts, suit blazers). Coat check is complimentary.
Cost is $35 and additional fees may apply. Included are complimentary early pass appetizers, party favors, souvenir photo, desert bar and champagne for the midnight toast.
The Central Latino All-Star Band will perform along with Deejay Frank G throwing in a mix of upbeat music genres.
The Amor Do Samba dancers from San Francisco will give a special live performance.
Information: 209.323.3085.
Fat City Lounge
The Fat City Lounge at 344 N. California St. offers a safe stay with limo rides to and from the venue, music and prize giveaways.
This dress-to-impress event goes from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and also includes hors d’oeuvres and complimentary champagne at midnight.
Cost is $75 per person.
Information: fatcity_lounge@yahoo.com.
Mile Wine Company
Live music by Current Personae will ring in 2015 at Mile Wine Company, 2113 Pacific Ave.
There’s no cover charge but a prix fixe menu along with regular menu items will be available during the evening.
Information: Ph. 209.465.9463 / email paul@milewinecompany.com.
Music, poetry
A safe 2015 is planned at the Mayfair SDA Worship Center at 6940 N. El Dorado St.
From 6 p.m. to midnight, music by gospel recording artists along with poetry by local youths and published motivational speakers will provide something for everyone.
Food and child care will also be available.
Cost is $10 per person, $20 for three, and $50 for 10 people. Those attending will have a chance to win a 16GB Android Tablet.
Information: mfsdaclrk2010@hotmail.com.
Whirlow’s
A buffet dinner, live music, champagne, dessert, and party favors will be offered up at Whirlow’s Tossed & Grilled on the Miracle Mile, 1926 Pacific Ave.
The band will play old time Rock & Roll and some Swing music.
Cost for the “New York New Year” even t is $45 in advance.
Information: 209.466.2823.
Hockey
The Stockton Thunder will take on the Ontario Reign in this ECHL “Painted Classic” clash at the Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St.
The ice rink will be painted with some of the most psychedelic colors to mark this annual New Year’s Eve event scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m.
The first 500 in the arena will receive a poster of the painted ice taken from the night before.
Tickets begin at $10 and are available online or at the Stockton Arena box office.
Information: 209.373.1500.
More information on what’s happening on New Year’s Eve can be found on www.visitstockton.org.